Council Meetings are coming up....

Many of your Field Leaders are currently planning Council Meetings. Council Meetings are a great place to network with other MOPS Leaders, learn new skills, work on leadership development, become encouraged and encourage other MOPS Leaders.

If you haven't heard about a Council Meeting near you contact your Council Coordinator or Area Coordinator. Would your group be willing to host a Council Meeting? Let your Field Leaders know what topics you would like addressed by commenting below.
Thanks,
Barb

Updating MIM and Group Leadership info

Hi Ladies,

It's that time of year when you need to update your MIM memberships and your Steering Team Leaders on the MOPS International database. This information is invaluable to your Field Leaders in our quest to assist you meet the needs of moms in your group. Please take time to update all your leadership info.
How do you update? Go to the MOPS Leaders website http://www.mops.org/leaders/page.php?pageid=700&srctype=menu If the managing your group pages doesn't come up you can click it in the left hand side bar. Click on register and you should get a page that asks for your username and password. That is a password that was set up when your group was first chartered. If you are a renewing group could ask the past Coordinator. Your charter # is the username, but your original steering made up the group password. It would probably be a good idea to put this info in a binder with the MOPS Handbook to pass to new Steering Team Coordinators and Finance each year.

Blessings,
Barb

MOPS Group Temporary Nametag Template

Permanent nametags will come with the MOPS International Membership Calendar after your members have been registered. This nametag template is formatted for the Avery Standard 5395 Name Badge (without a border).
Create nametags for all the moms in your group, as well as the MOPPETS Leaders and children. As moms are registered, they will receive their permanent nametags in the mail from MOPS International with the Membership Calendar.

Click Here to Download the Nametag Template

Speaker Suggestion.

Looking For A Speaker?

Beth Welmaker has been a member of St. Luke’s UCC MOPS in Trappe, PA for 5 years and has served many leadership roles: Discussion Leader, Publicity, Discussion Leader Coordinator and Co-Coordinator. Beth Welmaker has a Masters in Environmental Science and enjoyed working at Princeton University before moving to Pennsylvania and becoming a fulltime stay-at-home mom; her favorite all time job! She has been an instructor for 10+ years and greatly enjoys her time with Mothering Groups! And she LOVES to talk! Check out her topics:

True Colors –Understand how you are motivated & how to motivate others! Identify your strengths & your values. This presentation is interactive & fun!

Simplify! I Want The Simple Life, And I Want It NOW! - Participate in a discussion on how to Simplify Your Life! Super tips making your daily life easier.

NEW!Simple Life Part Two! – Reflect on what is most important in your life & start to weed out the clutter of daily life. Place God, family and yourself first and simplify your life.

Contentment – How to be more content with what you have! The happiest people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the best of everything they have.
NEW!
The Language Of Love – Based on the wonderful book series by Dr. Gary Chapman, The Five Love Languages and The Five Love Languages of Children, Beth reviews and discusses the five languages of love; helping participants to better understand how to demonstrate affection to those most important in their lives.

Contact Beth Welmaker to speak to your group!
610-831-5473 ~ dgbeth@comcast.net
Fee is only $50*
*contact Beth if your group needs assistance
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Thanks you so much for your wonderful talk. I have already been asked to have you back next year. Do you have other topics you speak on?? Let me know and Thanks Again!!! Tamara” Aldan Union MOPS

“Just wanted to say that I really had a great time today - It was so nice to unload those kids (ha ha) and actually very cathartic to talk to other stay-at-home-moms and realize that life is not so different after all. The speaker was SO fab, she had me either laughing or tearing up or nodding my head in understanding every single minute of her hilarious presentation. I really feel that I took something away with what she said.” New MOPS Member

Home Factor Ideas

Hi ladies,

I'm sure everyone is busy getting ready for next MOPS year. I love the Dwell Well, Home Factor Theme. My vision is to plan meetings around the rooms of our houses. I'm posting some ideas that I have and some I gleaned from other MOPS moms.

Please share your ideas.

Blessings,
Barb

These Ideas Come From the DWELL WELL book
Topics for the Home Tours are: 􀂃 Introduction – Home: A work in process 􀂃 Home Inspection: What makes a house a home? 􀂃 The Comfy Couch: A soft place to fall 􀂃 Unpacking Your Treasures: What matters most? 􀂃 A Great Room: Style on a budget 􀂃 Underneath the Welcome Mat: Real hospitality 􀂃 The Front Porch: Step out into the world

Here are some of my ideas and ones I gleaned:

Front Porch/Entry Way – Making others feel welcome
What's our home's personality
Making a Godly First Impression
Reaching Out
Family Room – Board Games (game day)
Fun Family Nights
Family is our Greatest Treasure
Exercise Room – stroller aroebics
at-home work outs
Family Health Issues
Kitchen – Baking - cookie Dough exchange (craft),
Super suppers
Freezer Meals
Grocery shopping on a budget
Family Nutrition
Cooking with Kids
Dining Room - Holiday entertaining
Hospitality
Formal Dinner Entertaining
Bathroom – potty training
Home Spa
Pampering Party
Beauty and Your Self Image
Study –balancing school & work w/ motherhood
Backyard - Gardening
Getting back to our roots
Blooming where we are planted
Growing in Christ
Taking Time to Smell the Roses
Kid’s Room – playtime
enjoying your kids
making memories
Strategies for helping kids sleep through the night
Garage – home repair (maybe have a tilesetter or hardware store teach tile laying)
Travel preparations
Car repair/car seat saftey check
Closet – Fashion on a budget
fashion show / jewelry making (craft)
prayer/quiet time/personal devos
Dealing With Difficult Issues
Nursery-Gods faithfulness in conception
adoption and loss
basement-giving kids a spiritual fundation at home
masterbedroom-Intimacy & Romance in Marriage
Foundation of the Family
Dating Your Spouse on a Budget
Study (computer room)-identity theft
Computer Literacy
Keeping Kids Safe On-line
Great Reads (Book Discussion)
Papers, Pennies and Plans (creating a budget)
School Room-panel of homeschool, christian school and public school
Jesus in our home-"tea and testimony"
Backdoor - Leaving home-Kid id kits, etc.
Preparing Kids for Kindergarten
Self Defense (Home Security)
Attic - Traditions passed down to the next generation
Leaving a Legacy
Basement - Having Jesus as our Foundation
Laundry Room - Home organization



One group is going with the Factor Idea:

1)romance factor (masterbedroom): men's discussion panel & decorating candles
2)creative factor (workshop): stampin'up day
3)legal factor (office): speakers on wills, legal advice and or cyber-safety
4)treasure factor (attic): DVD & making Christmas ornaments or scrapbook page or time capsul or something
5)comfort factor (den): DVD & making throw pillows
6)friendship factor (living room): DVD & making welcome mats or chocolates, or candy, not sure yet
7)Food factor (kitchen): chef or cooking class, & mason jar meal
8)Dirt Factor (laundry room) : organiztion speaker & potpourri hangers (vickie's link)
9)family factor (diningroom): DVD &
10)Refresh factor (bathroom) spa day & homemade balt salts *by the way, one of our local spas has offered to pamper us all as there way of giving back to the community. so ask around at the spas in your town.
11)share factor (parlor): tea and testimony day
12) (porch): DVD & making wind chimes 13)yard: speaker about gardening and pruning & making our own herb gardens.
14)safety factor (kidsroom?): lesson in infant/toddler first aid
15)emergency factor (garage): making earthquake kits
16)Decor factor : DVD - style on a budget (kidsroom maybe?)


Okay ladies, that's all I've got....now it's your turn. : )

End of the Year Evaluations

How many groups do end of the year evaluations? How do you use the information gleaned from these evaluations? Please share.....we have many new groups in our Zone that can benefit from the wonderful things going on at our established groups.
Thanks!

Spring Means Charter Renewal

Simple Steps to MOPS International Charter Renewal:
1. Save time and renew on-line. Have your group log-in information ready. The on-line renewal is personalized for your convenience. Renew prior to May 31, 2007 and jump start your MOPS year with free offers and discounted curriculum.
2. When you renew your MOPS Charter, please verify your group information and provide an e-mail address to send the Charter Renewal confirmation. The confirmation e-mail contains a link to the Downloadable Pastor’s Resource Kit. Instructions to the Leaders’ Web site will be e-mailed before July 1, 2007 to the e-mail address provided.
3. Complete the Group Evaluation Survey to help MOPS International understand the impact of the ministry on moms and leaders. Each group that completes the survey will receive a 10% discount code to the MOPShop. The code is good for a purchase prior to June 15, 2007.
4. Steering Team information should be updated to assure accurate mailings. MOPS International will send a reminder and instructions to the e-mail address provided for renewal confirmation in mid May.

Charter Renewal Questions and Answers

Charter Renewal Questions and Answers

It's spring and that means Charter Renewal time. Here are answers to the most frequently asked questions. If you have a question that is not addressed here, please leave a comment or contact your Council Coordinator.

Who Needs To Renew?

• All MOPS groups chartered before December 1st, 2006 need to renew in order to continue their MOPS Charter.
• Groups chartered after December 1st, 2006 do not need to renew. They will still receive the Charter Renewal form with a letter explaining that they do not need to renew. They will need to order their FREE copy of the HOME factor: 2007 MOPS International Theme DVD and downloadable Pastor’s Resource Kit. They are still eligible for the discount on the Simply MOPS: Dwelling Curriculum and the new MOPPETS Curriculum.

Renewal Fee

• The MOPS Group Renewal fee is $125 USD if the Agreement is postmarked by May 31, 2007. The fee is $155 for Charter Renewals postmarked after May 31, 2007.
• The MOPS@ Group Renewal fee is $75 USD if the Agreement is postmarked by May 31, 2007. The fee is $105 for MOPS@ Charter Renewals postmarked after May 31, 2007.
• The Renewal fee can be paid by check or credit card, but credit card is preferred.

the HOME factor: 2007 MOPS International Theme DVD

• All groups, including International MOPS groups, renewing before May 31, 2007 will receive the HOME factor: 2007 MOPS International Theme DVD. Groups that renew early (by April 30, 2007) will receive the HOME factor: 2007 MOPS International Theme DVD in a special May mailing. Groups renewing in May will receive the HOME factor: 2007 MOPS International Theme DVD in a June mailing. The DVD will be sent to your Chartering Ministry, to the attention of the MOPS Coordinator. After the May 31st deadline, the Theme DVD can be purchased in the MOPShop.

Downloadable Pastor’s Resource Kit

• The Charter Renewal confirmation e-mail will contain a link to the downloadable Pastor’s Resource Kit .
• Groups that Chartered after July 1, 2006 have received the information in the Ready, Set, Go! Kit.

Do I have to renew on-line?

• On-line renewal is fast and simple, but your group may wish to renew by mail if sending a check for the Charter Renewal fee. You may use the paper form that was sent to your Chartering Ministry. If you need another Charter Renewal form, you can Download a form now.
• Mail the Charter Renewal form with your check to MOPS International, 2370 S. Trenton Way, Denver, CO 80231-3822.
• Call your MOPS Service Representative to renew your group over the phone. 888-910-6677

Simply MOPS: Dwelling Curriculum

• The Simply MOPS: Dwelling Curriculum is offered at a great discount to renewing groups. The discount is only good until May 31, 2007 and only applies to curriculum orders that are made in conjunction with Charter Renewal.
• All curriculum orders will be sent to the Chartering Ministry in July. Please inform your Chartering Ministry.

Lively Bible Lessons for MOPPETS Curriculum

• The MOPPETS Curriculum is offered at a great discount to renewing groups. The discount is only good until May 31, 2007 and only applies to curriculum orders that are made in conjunction with Charter Renewal.
• All curriculum orders will be sent to the Chartering Ministry in July. Please inform your Chartering Ministry.

To Drop or Go Inactive

• Inactive Status - Sometimes circumstances make it necessary for a group to take one year off to regroup, refocus vision and/or rebuild the Steering Team. If a group finds itself in this situation, they can renew as "INACTIVE" for the 2007-2008 MOPS year. When a group is "INACTIVE," the Chartering Ministry will continue to receive regular mailings and ministry support from MOPS International. To request Inactive status, a group must still fill out the Charter Renewal form and submit it with the Charter Renewal fee. On the form, they will need to check the box indicating "Inactive." We will change their status to Inactive when the form is received. Please contact your MOPS Service Representative for more information.
  
• Dropping a MOPS Charter - If the Chartering Ministry decides to discontinue having a MOPS group, they must send MOPS International notification of their intent to drop by letter on the Chartering Ministry's letterhead, with a signature from a Pastor or Church Officer. All Chartering materials provided in the Charter Box need to be returned to MOPS International. Please contact your MOPS Service Representative for more information.

MOPS International Membership

• MOPS groups are required to register all moms for MOPS International Membership. This membership is optional for International and Military MOPS groups only. While MOPS International covers the cost for teen mom membership, they must be registered.
• The MOPS Membership Instruction is coming soon. On-line registration for 2007-08 will be available mid May at www.MOPS.org/registration.

What Every Mom Needs: Mother’s Day Broadcast
Saturday, May 12, 2007
90 minutes of top quality programming for women of all ages Elisa Morgan encourages mothers of all ages to take a breath of fresh air and teaches moms how to live their lives to the fullest.
Ken Davis’ humor keeps moms laughing through stories that emphasize the importance of relating to your children and to God.
Kim Hill refreshes women through uplifting and heartfelt worship.



Hello Ladies,

We will be hosting the Mother’s Day Simulcast on Saturday May 12th. We will be serving a full breakfast from 8:30am to 9:30am and the simulcast runs from 9:30am to 11:00am when the event ends. The simulcast includes speaker Elisa Morgan - CEO of MOPS Int., humorist Ken Davis, and music by Kim Hill. The topic is “What every mom needs.” It would be great to have you and all your MOPS moms come!

We would love to give you all the opportunity to sell tickets to your MOPS groups. I can mail you a packet with flyers and tickets for you to sell to your groups. If you are interested, please email me your address where I can mail you the flyers and tickets. Each packet will include 20 tickets. If you think you will need more than that, let me know how many you would like in your email. Tickets cost $10.00 each.

This event is open to mothers of all ages. Feel free to invite mothers, friends, relatives, and neighbors. We would like to make this as easy as possible for you. You won’t be responsible for returning any unused tickets. You can email me with the final count of tickets you have sold by May 8th, so we can let our caterers know how many people to prepare for. Checks can be made payable to First Baptist Church of Doylestown. You can either mail money you have collected to First Baptist Church, or bring it with you when you come to the event.

Thank you for your support; I look forward to hearing from you soon.

In Christ,


Marion Turner
MOPS II Coordinator
First Baptist Church of Doylestown
215-397-7417
Turner4367@verizon.net

Happy Easter!!!!!!

Happy Easter MOPS leaders!

Here are some fun ideas to do this weekend to help your child celebrate and understand the Resurrection story.

HE IS RISEN!

RESURRECTION COOKIES

This is a great recipe to teach your Children the REAL story of Easter. That the Lord Jesus Christ our Savior is not dead but has Risen. We serve a Risen Savior......

You will need:

1 cup whole pecans

1 teaspoon vinegar

3 egg whites

a pinch salt

1 cup sugar

a zipper baggy

1 wooden spoon

scotch tape

Bible

Instructions:

These are to be made the evening before Easter. Preheat oven to 300F.*** (this is very important --- don't wait until you are half done with the recipe).

Place pecans in zipper baggy and let children beat them with the wooden spoon to break into small pieces. Explain that after Jesus was arrested. He was beaten by the Roman soldiers.

Read: John 19:1-3
Let each child smell the vinegar. Put 1 teaspoon vinegar into mixing bowl. Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross He was given vinegarto drink.

Read: John 19:28-30
Add egg whites to vinegar. Eggs represent life. Explain that Jesus gave His lifeto give us life.

Read: John 10:10&11
Sprinkle a little salt into each child's hand. Let them taste it and brush the restinto the bowl. Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus' followers,and the bitterness of our own sin.

Read: Luke 23:27
So far the ingredients are not very appetizing. Add 1 cup sugar. Explain that thesweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He loves us. He wants us toknow and belong to Him.

Read: Psalm 34:8 and John 3:16
Beat with a mixer on high speed for 12 to 15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed. Explain that the color white represents the purity in God's eyes of those whose sinshave been cleansed by Jesus.

Read: Isaiah 1:18 and John 3:1-3
Fold in broken nuts. Drop by teaspoon onto waxed paper covered cookie sheet.Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus' body was laid.

Read: Matthew 27:57-60
Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven OFF.
Give each child a piece of tape and seal the oven door.Explain that Jesus tomb was sealed.

Read: Matthew 27:65-66

GO TO BED!

Explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight.Jesus' followers were in despair when the tomb was sealed.

Read: John 16:20&22
On Resurrection Sunday (Easter) morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie. Notice the cracked surface and take a bite. The cookies are hollow! On the first Easter Jesus' followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty.

Read: Matthew 28:1-9

Resurrection Rolls

You Will Need:(each item represents how Jesus' body was prepared for burial)

Large Marshmallows

Melted Butter

Sugar/Cinnamon mixture

Can of Crescent Rolls

Instructions:

1. Open can of crescent rolls and separate into triangles. The rolls represent the linen wrapping used in covering the dead.

2. Dip and roll one marshmallow (representing Jesus' body) into melted butter The butter represents the oils used in anointing the dead body.

3. Roll the marshmallow in the sugar/cinnamon mixture. The mixture represents the spices used in burials.

4. Place the marshmallow in the center of the crescent triangle. Fold and pinch the edges tight. Put each crescent-wrapped marshmallow on a slightly greased cookie sheet.

5. Bake the rolls as directed on he package. The oven represents the tomb. When cooked, the marshmallow melts leaving only the puffed crescent roll. This demonstrates how Jesus rose from the dead. All that remained in the tomb were the linen wrappings.

These are surprisingly tasty.

ENJOY!!!

Jesus loves you!

Have a blessed Easter!!!!!!!!!!

We'd love to have your feedback on Summit

Please go to
Click'>http://www.zapsurvey.com/Survey.aspx?id=a4d705ed-5312-4179-afd8-4aac0e312272">Click here to take our Summit Survey.

Thanks,

What an Awesome Summit

I hope you all enjoyed Summit as much as I did. I was great seeing all the wonderful MOPS leaders that came. We learned so much about our positional callings, how to connect with moms through our communciation skills, and how to effectively communicate the Gospel. In the coming days I'll post the notes from these workshops so you can refer to them when you need them.

Now I'm in a post-Summit haze and need to spend some time with family and refuel. Enjoy these photos from our 2 Summit sites.

Some of your Zone 22 Field Leader Team

Notice the very nicely arranged Field Leader interest table behind our Zone Event Coordinator, Kay Kissinger and Council Coordinator, Nichole Bethel. If you are interested in joining our awesome team contact Barb at joyousheart@enter.net

Congratulations to Christy Molnar

Christy Molnar Council Coordinator for Allentown, Bethlehem and Easton will be receiving the WAEB radio, Gebhardt's Someone Special Volunteer Award. It will be announced tomorrow on Bobby Gunther Walsh's morning show. We are so proud of Christy and thankful for all she does for MOPS. Please send her a congratulations!

Following the Father's Commands

It's that time of year when we are bombarded with things that need to be done. At MOPS we're getting ready for the Leadership For Life Summit, nominating and interviewing new Steering Team members, planning Tea and Testimonies and seeking to end well. Some of us are involved in end of the year school activities, spring sports, recitals, spring musicals, and field trips. At church we're planning VBS, summer events, teaching Sunday school, on the praise team, women's bible study and more.

How do you know what you should be doing? There are so many opportunities for ministry and service. The following article from Prime Time With God was really helpful in pointing me in the right direction....


Following Only the Father's Commands
TGIF Today God Is First, by Os Hillman

Jesus gave them this answer: "I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by Himself; He can do only what He sees His Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does." - John 5:19Have you ever thought about a typical day in Jesus' life? Perhaps He might have had questions like these, "Who am I going to heal today? Who will I visit today? Which person will I deliver from demons this day?" etc. The demands on Jesus' time were great. Yet we see that Jesus allocated His time very deliberately. We don't get the idea that Jesus was flustered or stressed from the activity He was involved in. He often sought times of prayer and reflection away from the disciples. His life appeared to have a balance of quiet moments and active ministry into the lives He came in contact with.

How do we determine what we will be involved in each day of our lives? What keeps us in sync with the will of our heavenly Father for the daily tasks He calls us to? Jesus tells us that He was only involved in those things the Father was involved in. Nothing more, nothing less. So often we determine our participation in an activity based on whether we have the time to do it or whether we desire to participate. The real question we should ask is, "Does the Father want me to participate in this activity?"

To read the rest of the article go to.....
http://www.churchgrowthmail.org/web/pageid/30781/pages.asp

Discussion Group Leader Training

Hi Ladies,

Here is an excellent plan for training your Discussion Group Leaders.

MOPS Discussion Group Leader Training


I. The Shepherd’s Role (4 pages)
II. Article – Discussion Groups: Where Nurturing Happens
III. Troubleshooting in Small Groups
IV. Discussion Group Leader’s Checklist
V. Prayer (3 pages)
VI. Prayer Request Journal
VII. 11 Ways to Demolish Community
VIII. Active Listening (2 pages)

The Shepherd’s Role

Ezekiel 34:1-16a

Background: Many rulers, kings, and high officials throughout the ancient Near East were known as “shepherds.” In Israel, this designation was also given to prophets and priests. Ezekiel34 provides a picture of God’s judgement on Israel’s shepherds for not fulfilling their duty and role. By studying this passage we can determine what are the expectations that God has for his shepherds over his people.


1. In five words or less…what is the primary role of a shepherd?

____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________

2. The role of a shepherd can be broken down into different tasks. From the passage, list the different tasks that are expected from a shepherd toward the sheep on the left side of the chart.

Shepherd


MOPS Leader



3. How would each of the roles you just listed compare to the roles expected from a MOPS leader in your position today? Fill in the right side of the chart.
Personal Response & Application


1. Share an example when someone played a shepherding role in your life.



2. What role(s) of a shepherd do you feel most comfortable with? What role(s) are (will be) most challenging for you as you shepherd your discussion group, team or class?





3. Name some things you will do during a given week as you shepherd your group.



Passages for further study & discussion:Psalm 23
John 10:11-16John 21:15-181 Peter 5:1-4
Acts 20:25-31
Ezekiel 34:1-16a (NIV)


Shepherds and Sheep
1 The word of the LORD came to me: 2 "Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel; prophesy and say to them: 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Woe to the shepherds of Israel who only take care of themselves! Should not shepherds take care of the flock? 3 You eat the curds, clothe yourselves with the wool and slaughter the choice animals, but you do not take care of the flock. 4 You have not strengthened the weak or healed the sick or bound up the injured. You have not brought back the strays or searched for the lost. You have ruled them harshly and brutally. 5 So they were scattered because there was no shepherd, and when they were scattered they became food for all the wild animals. 6 My sheep wandered over all the mountains and on every high hill. They were scattered over the whole earth, and no one searched or looked for them. 7 " 'Therefore, you shepherds, hear the word of the LORD : 8 As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign LORD , because my flock lacks a shepherd and so has been plundered and has become food for all the wild animals, and because my shepherds did not search for my flock but cared for themselves rather than for my flock, 9 therefore, O shepherds, hear the word of the LORD : 10 This is what the Sovereign LORD says: I am against the shepherds and will hold them accountable for my flock. I will remove them from tending the flock so that the shepherds can no longer feed themselves. I will rescue my flock from their mouths, and it will no longer be food for them. 11 " 'For this is what the Sovereign LORD says: I myself will search for my sheep and look after them. 12 As a shepherd looks after his scattered flock when he is with them, so will I look after my sheep. I will rescue them from all the places where they were scattered on a day of clouds and darkness. 13 I will bring them out from the nations and gather them from the countries, and I will bring them into their own land. I will pasture them on the mountains of Israel, in the ravines and in all the settlements in the land. 14 I will tend them in a good pasture, and the mountain heights of Israel will be their grazing land. There they will lie down in good grazing land, and there they will feed in a rich pasture on the mountains of Israel. 15 I myself will tend my sheep and have them lie down, declares the Sovereign LORD . 16 I will search for the lost and bring back the strays. I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak…

Discussion Groups:
Where Nurturing Happens
By Vickie Musni, Nevada CC

MOPS International exists to nurture every mother of preschoolers by meeting her distinct needs to the glory of Jesus Christ. As leaders in MOPS, we have heard this dozens if not hundreds of times. But how does it happen? How can every mother be nurtured? How will her distinct needs be met? How is each MOPS group bringing glory to Jesus Christ?

I think the answer to each of these questions lies in the discussion group leaders having a clear understanding of their role as shepherds. Each woman who attends MOPS needs to be known by her leader if she is going to be nurtured and have her distinct needs met. Her leader also needs to know her to find out where she is on her spiritual journey. The handbook states that one of the purposes of the discussion groups is to “provide a nurturing atmosphere where a woman is gently challenged to examine her relationship with Christ and encouraged to make a commitment to him – the ultimate goal of the MOPS ministry.”

There are many places in the Bible that use the analogy of sheep and shepherds. My favorite is Ezekiel 34:1-16a. Many rulers, kings, and high officials throughout the ancient Near East were known as “shepherds.” In Israel, this designation was also given to prophets and priests. Ezekiel 34 provides a picture of God’s judgement on Israel’s shepherds for not fulfilling their duty and role. By studying this passage we can determine what are the expectations that God has for his shepherds over his people.

The expectations of the shepherds given in this passage include strengthening the weak, healing the sick, binding up the injured, bringing back the strays, searching for the lost, tending them in a good pasture, looking after them, having them lie down in good grazing land. What would those things look like today, in a MOPS ministry? It may befriending, supporting and praying for a woman going through a difficult time. It might mean making a meal or arranging childcare or housecleaning for a family who experiencing the birth of a new baby or an illness or other challenging circumstance. “Having them lie down in good grazing land” could translate “having a girls’ night out with lots of chocolate cake!” It means helping your discussion group move beyond casual conversation and surface-level questions to a deeper place – a place where each woman is known, accepted, loved. Discussion groups are about building relationships with one another, and leading moms into a relationship with Jesus Christ.

For Personal Reflection & Application

4. Think of an example when someone played a shepherding role in your life.
5. What role(s) of a shepherd do you feel most comfortable with? What role(s) is most challenging for you as you shepherd your discussion group?
6. List some things you will do during a given week as you shepherd your group.

Passages for further study:Psalm 23
John 10:11-16John 21:15-181 Peter 5:1-4
Acts 20:25-31
TROUBLESHOOTING IN SMALL GROUPS
Problems show up in even the best groups. Here are some of the most common group problems, with some symptoms and suggested solutions.

SYMPTOM
POSSIBLE PROBLEMS
APPROACHES
Quiet members
questions are too hard or too easy; lack of trust; leader and others not handling silence well and jumping in too quickly
Have a quiet member do something easy like simply read out loud; remind members: “Verbal people need to hold back at times; quiet members need to push themselves to speak up.” Direct some questions specifically to the quiet person; allow time for people to think
Overly talkative member
outgoing; doesn’t like silence; sees things quickly
Talk to privately. Mention that we need silence after some questions to think and reflect. Ask for help in drawing others out. Suggest she ask, “What do some of the rest of you think?”
Always-right member
knows right way for everything; knows only one interpretation of situation or Bible verse
Avoid arguing right and wrong. Put focus back on the topic at hand and collect more data and summarize. Clarify facts. Help group look for alternatives and see “right” person’s frame of reference, e.g. “In what circumstances might Sue’s interpretation hold true?”
Disagreeing member
“But” is favorite word; “That’s true, but…” May hold group back from action or conclusions, causing group to stagnate.
Give feedback to disagreeing member; “What exactly causes your hesitation?” Confront group with choice of holding back (no risk) or going ahead (with risk but also growth): "How can we get around this objection?”
Superficial sharing
Leader not setting example; community building no challenging growth as a group
Plan community exercises carefully for stage of group’s development. Ask for specifics in sharing. Be open and specific in your own sharing. Meet one-on-one outside group for sharing and prayer.
Members with ongoing problems
Problems dominate group life. Member monopolizes group with personal crises
Talk individually to the person, suggesting resources for help (e.g. counseling). Help group see its purpose, identity (MOPS groups are not therapy groups). Continue in prayer and loving support.


Adapted from Good Things Come in Small Groups, by Ron Nicholas
Discussion Group Leader’s Checklist

IX. When a Discussion Group is over, each Discussion Group
Leader should take a few minutes to ask herself these questions.

1. Did everyone present take part in the discussion?

2. Was it a lecture, conversation, or discussion?

3. Did anyone become the group teacher?

4. Did the discussion expand on the material discussed in the talk?

5. Did you guide the discussion with questions?

6. Did you keep to the subject? (Brief digressions are okay if the group expressed interest in one individual’s vital concerns. This requires sensitivity and balance.)

7. Did you finish on time?

8. Was anyone interrupted at any time in the discussion?

9. Did anyone seem to open up? Close up?

10. Did anyone seem to express a change of opinion as a result of the talk or the discussion?

11. Did anyone leave with an air of dissatisfaction?

12. What can I be praying for before the next meeting?

If you are not satisfied with answers to any of these questions, consult with your Discussion Group Team Leader for her guidance.




Compiled by Kristy Hagan, Council Coordinator for Missouri
Praying for Yourself


Hebrews 4:16 Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

2 Corinthians 4:1 Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart.

2 Corinthians 3:4-6 Such confidence as this is ours through Christ before God. Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant – not of the letter but of the Spirit for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

In Luke 11:1 the disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray. We, too, can ask that same question.

A shepherd (small group leader) should pray for herself!

What should you ask God for?________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

When we realize that our adequacy and our competence no longer come from us but from God, and we draw on His resources daily, He keeps us from losing heart.

More than we need to be taught how to pray, we just need to be taught to pray! Prayer is a continual declaration of dependence upon God.

It is the Lord’s desire that we operate in the power of the Spirit, not in the flesh. Having an active and honest prayer life makes us wise in the ways of our flesh (self-effort) and enables us to serve in submission to the Holy Spirit.

KEY QUESTION: How can you tell if you are operating in the flesh or in the Spirit?Praying for the People in Your Group

Based on your own experiences, list some reasons why you pray for others.
¨ _________________________________________________________
¨ _________________________________________________________
¨ _________________________________________________________
¨ _________________________________________________________

Sovereignty
Why do we pray? Because God has commanded us to pray! He will fulfill all of His will, but God has chosen to use the prayers of His people as the means by which He works. He is not limited by our prayers or by our lack of praying. God could never be limited by man in any way. God is only limited by Himself, He cannot do what does not fulfill His purposes or bring Him glory. But in our prayers, God calls us to participate with Him in the fulfillment of His will. We pray for the same reason that we preach. We know that God will bring to Himself all those whom He has elected to salvation, but He has chosen to use preaching as the means of drawing His chosen ones to Himself (Romans 10:14). In the same way, God has chosen prayer as the means by which He works out His will.
Prayer involves us in spiritual battle for the people in our groups. We need to be praying for their spiritual protection, that the enemy will not snatch the truths they are learning.
Prayer will help deepen your relationship with group members. The Lord will honor your prayer by sharing knowledge of the others with you, giving you discernment you would not have otherwise. This is true even if you do not have a natural affinity for a particular group member. The Lord will change our hearts through prayer.
We need to remember that even though many in MOPS are Christians and/or come from Christian homes, you may be the only one praying for them in a consistent manner. This makes the responsibility and privilege of prayer even more important.

As you pray for each person, how do you keep your prayers fresh and prevent them from becoming routine and repetitious?

1. Pray a picture.
For example: a hedge of protection
that they would be attracted to walk in the light
that they would blossom like flowers into new truth

2. Think about the topic discussed at the last MOPS meeting. Find an application and pray that for your sheep.

3. Picture each person. Recall how she looked and acted at the last meeting. Review notes from any phone conversations.

4. Be quiet before the Lord and ask the Holy Spirit how you should pray. Don't fall into the trap that it is your responsibility to figure out how to pray.

5. Praying at a particular time of day and in a special place can help.
Music can enable your mind to settle. Kneeling often helps one to concentrate.

6. Find something from your quiet time to pray for the people in your group.

7. Remember to Whom you are praying. Read Isaiah 6:1-6 or Revelation 4.
The power of prayer comes from who is listening, not who is praying.

We must persevere in prayer and not be discouraged. The enemy will try anything and everything to keep us from praying. We must remember that a prayerless shepherd is a faithless shepherd. Your most important and powerful ministry on behalf of your sheep is prayer.

Another Caution
Be careful not to be so focused on interceding for your flock that you forsake praying for yourself, your family and friends. Also remember not to forsake your personal quiet time.

An additional note - As we all know God works from the "inside out" as He matures us in Christ-likeness. As we co-partner with Him we also should pray for the inside things (spiritual concerns, things unseen, etc.).


Prayer Request Journal

Date
Person
Request
Personal Response


11 Ways To Demolish Community
(A.K.A. 11 Things NOT to do in a Small Group)
1. Take sides
2. Lecture
3. Ignore
4. Give (unsolicited) advice
5. Focus on your own story
6. Interrupt
7. Not listen
8. Find fault
9. Fix it
10. Brush over it
11. Guilt by Scripture/Dogma
Active Listening Skills

What you say
- invite comments from the group
This may be especially important for more shy members. It may take them longer to process the ideas being discussed. Watch for cues that they’re ready to participate, but don’t put them on the spot. If someone is dominating the conversation, direct questions elsewhere.

- empathize with people’s emotions
Use “feeling” words to paraphrase key things and share a feeling a member might have. Most feeling words will stem from “mad, sad, glad, scared” and might include confused, overwhelmed, angry, elated, etc. "You seem overwhelmed.” “Did you feel confused when that happened?”

-use “I” statements
“I” statements = “I feel (emotion) when you do (action) in (situation).”

- explore their statements, seeking more information
- clarify what has been said

What you hear
-Verbal: the content of what is said. Sometimes we are so interested in what we are about to say that we fail to hear the simple facts in a discussion. As you listen, focus on people’s names, events, dates, and other specific information that is being shared.

-Nonverbal: how the content is expressed. Here you are listening for congruity; that is, do the nonverbal messages match the verbal messages? Listen for this in three areas: facial expressions, tone of voice, body movements and posture.

Remember - as a group discussion leader, you also give verbal and nonverbal messages to your group!

Skills

Passive Listening Active Listening

Attitude Rejecting, critical Receptive, accepting
“I’m really not interested.” “I really want to hear.”

Focus Me--what I want to say Other person--you think about what others are saying
“What do I think?” “What does she mean?”

Response This is what I’ve been Telling first what you have
thinking hear the other person say
“I think you should. . .” “You think. . .”
“You feel. . .”

Message What you said isn’t You heard both the feeling and
important the need in the message
“I didn’t really hear “I heard what you said.”
what you said.”

Results Frustration, anger Satisfaction, willing to compromise or tell more.
“I don’t care.” “I care about what you said.”


When something hurts you or someone else in the group, say “Ouch!” Give the members of your discussion group permission to do so too!


Compiled by Kristy Hagan, Council Coordinator for Missouri

Getting Donations and Sponsors for Your MOPS group

Hi Ladies,

I got this great information from a CC in Atlanta. If you are not pursuing donations and sponsors for your group is can greatly help your budget. If you are getting some donations here are a few great ideas to help you get more. Get a donations committee going under your Finance Team Leader and reap the benefits for your moms.

Get Donations & Sponsors
(For all MOPS Groups & Leaders)


1. Donation/Sponsorship Letter


Living Hope Church
3450 Stilesboro Road Kennesaw, GA 30152
770-425-6726 www.livinghopevision.com

Dear Manager :
I am writing to you on behalf of the MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) group at the
Living Hope Church. MOPS is a non-prof i t organization designed to encourage
mothers with children under school age through relationships and resources. These
women come from different backgrounds and lifestyles, yet have similar needs and a
desire to be the best mothers they can be! As well, I feel our group is unique to the
area because we will be meeting in the evenings twice a month, which will reach out
to all moms (stay-at-home, working, single, and even teen moms).

A MOPS group provides a caring, accepting atmosphere for today’s mother of
preschoolers. Here she has an opportunity to share concerns, explore areas of
creativity, and hear instruction that equips her for the responsibilities of family and
community while her children are being cared for in a pre-school like sett ing.

On behalf of the MOPS group, we are requesting:

Sponsorship for dinner for our meetings.
Gift certificate for a “Date Night Out ” Dinner . . . many of our Moms do not have it in their budget to go out, especially when babysitting costs as much as dinner, so itis our goal to give each mom a free dinner out.

Gift certificates or store items which our MOPS Moms can use around theirhomes, for/with their families or to relax and enjoy for themselves.


We have a small budget and a big mission of providing mothers of preschoolers the
opportunity to grow and gain confidence in their abilities. Any assistance would be
greatly appreciated.

As a “Thank You” for your donations & sponsorship your business will receive a year
(or more) publicity on our Partners/Sponsors section of our website. We encourage
all of our moms to help support these businesses because you are a vital part in us
supporting our moms.

Sincerely,
Bobbie Jo Ryan
Finace Steering Team Leader

Living Hope MOPS

770 332-4242

mops_coordinator@bellsouth.net

Kim Ruch
Donations/Sponsorship
(770) 332-4242
ruchk@bellsouth.net




2. Brainstorming Form for Donations/Sponsors

Prepare a donations/sponsorship letter.
Know the needs of your MOPS Moms & Group.
Think outside the box.
Know who can fill those needs.
Don’t give up when you hear “No”… it doesn’t always mean Never!

Know the needs of your MOPS Moms & Group…

List the needs of your group below.

Needs of MOPS Moms:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Needs of MOPS Families:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Needs of MOPS Group:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Needs of MOPPETS:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Other needs you can think of.







Think outside the box!

Here are some examples of the items my group received as donations.

Things for MOPS Moms & Families:

Gutter Cleaning
Carpet Cleaning (for whole house)
Car Wash Gift Cards
Oil Changes
Grocery Store Vouchers
Gift Baskets for businesses
Christian CDs, DVDs, & Books (for Moms & Kids!)
Tickets for Family Outings: Zoo & Museum Tickets
Gift Cards for Mom: Pottery, Massage, Tanning, Haircut, Manicure/Pedicure
Date Nights: gift cards
Things for MOPS Group:
Office Supplies: Paper, Ink, Pens, Binders, Dividers, etc.
Hospitality Supplies: Table Cloth, Plates, Plasticware, Cups, Decorations, Food, etc
Creative Activities Supplies: Craft Items or Ready-to-Complete Crafts, Prizes for Games
MOPPETS: Resurrection Eggs, Christian DVDs, Food for MOPPETS Program

Know who can fill the needs of your MOPS Moms & Group:
The first place I start is by going to www.local.yahoo.com this will help me search out businesses that are nearest me (or my group). You can also narrow your search by clicking on specific choices on the left side.

You have to think outside the box with this too… example:

If you want someone to donate t-shirts to your MOPS group.
You can ask someone who does screen printing or embroidering and ask if they can supply the shirts as well.
If they are not able to supply the shirts… go the next step, ask if they have any vendors you may contact to see about a donation… if they don’t search out places that supply t-shirts (Michael’s Craft Store has a variety as well as Wal-Mart). Another idea is to have those who want t-shirts to supply their own, that way you know everyone will be happy with the fit.

Tips:

It’s okay to contact businesses that are not local.
You should always have a “sales pitch” ready for the potential Sponsor.
Mine is that we will publicize for one year on our website that they have sponsored our group, that we will let our MOPS Moms know so we can promote their business and that we will use word of mouth advertising when the opportunity presents itself!
Think positive and don’t give up when you hear “No”.
Sometimes “No” really means “Not Right Now”, so be sure to ask if there is a better time you could contact them. If they give you a time, make sure to follow up!
As a MOPS group… you have the added benefit of letting the businesses know that you have Moms who are new to the area joining your group, they like having contacts who are reaching out to their “new neighbors”.
If the company doesn’t have a way to do a gift card/certificate offer to make one for them so they have not hassle! But be sure to get all the contact info and the name of the person who approved it.
Be sure the offer doesn’t expire before the MOPS Moms have time to get and use it!
When I get someone as a food sponsor I always ask if they could also donate a gift card for a MOPS Mom to have a Date Night Out (and I explain a little of the financial woes of having small children.)
If the company says NO to everything… ask if they wouldn’t mind donating a coupon (free kids meal with any adults meal, 15% off any service, buy one get one free)… some companies just want to be sure they are getting customers out of it!
It’s very, very important to have something to give them in return… the website advertising is what I have found works the best… it is something they can view themselves, check our MOPS website out (click on Sponsors & Partners)

Feel free to contact me with any questions you may have!

Tea and Testimony

Does your MOPS group have a tea and testimony. These are great MOPS events to really give your moms an opportunity to know Christ. . . which is why we do MOPS. If you've never done one or are looking for some Fresh ideas read on. This article was on the MOPS forums and written by a Council Coordinator.

Tea & Testimony
Compiled by
Ann Goade, North Texas CC

Why should we do this?

† MOPS International suggests sharing the gospel twice a year, usually around Christmas and Easter (MOPS Handbook, page 69).
† In today’s society, stories are an effective way to share a personal message. Testimony is a person’s story with the added elements of how they accepted Jesus and informs the listener of how they can do the same (MOPS Handbook, pages 66-68).
† One of the goals of a local MOPS group is to bring each mom one step closer to Jesus. For some moms, that one step may be making the decision to ask Jesus into her life. If she isn’t given the opportunity or shown how this can be done, she may not move a step closer.
† As MOPS leaders, it’s always nice to be reminded that what we do and the sacrifices we make really do make a difference in the lives of moms. Sharing stories of how lives have been changed through Jesus and seeing moms come to Jesus because of those stories is a reminder of the importance of our work.

Do we have to serve tea?

† The reference to “Tea and Testimony” simply means a time to share personal stories of individuals’ relationships with Jesus and presenting the way a mom can have that same relationship. Although many groups do serve tea, it can take on many alternative themes. In fact, using the word “testimony” is discouraged, as it is one of those “Christianese” words that may not be understood by a non-believer.
† Below are several ways to incorporate the sharing of stories in meetings.

Tea & Treasures

Make the moms feel special and have them hear how Jesus values each of them. Two moms share from their lives.

Traditional tea party décor (i.e. china, teapot, fancy dress, etc.).

Treasures of the Heart

Focus on the relationship we treasure most, Jesus. Two moms share how they came into a relationship with Jesus and what that relationship has meant to them in their life.

Normal meeting décor. Treasure candies for favors with Matthew 6:21 attached.

The Amazing Race

Testimony based on “Who’s Your Partner?” and “What’s in Your Backpack?”

Travel décor including maps, backpacks, globes, Amazing Race signs (i.e. Fast Forward, Detour, Roadblock). Around the World Buffet for food.


Bloom Where You’re Planted

Focus on the growing relationship with Jesus

Mary Engelbreit décor.

Coffee Talk

Share testimony.

Less formal than traditional tea. Several flavors of coffee offered.


Sisters & Smoothies

Focus on friendship.
Fruit Smoothies
You’ve Got a Friend in Me

Testimony of two members who spoke of the unlikely friendship they developed through MOPS. They talked about how the friendship helped them through crisis and led them to a better friendship with Jesus.

Toy Story décor

Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star

Focus on ways to share Jesus with your children and how to know when they are ready to make a commitment. Ended with that last way to share Jesus being by example and plan of salvation is presented.

We used normal meeting décor, but added lots of candlelight.

Extreme Makeover:MOPS Edition

To proclaim the life-changing power of Jesus through stories told by peers in an effort to help moms see their need for Jesus’ forgiveness, restoration, hope, & peace. God is the ultimate designer of Extreme Makeovers. Three testimonies expressing the need for a strong foundation, building up during stormy times, & the continual need to repair & renovate.

Favors were tape measures with a sticker attached reading, “Your worth is beyond measure.” Table decorations of toy dump trucks filled with candy. Centerpieces were metal paint cans with an arrangement of flowers & tools in them. Caution tape tied in bow around the chairs. Plastic spackle tools were serving utensils. Sawhorses, pink hard hats, orange cones, etc.


Breathe Deeply: Live Fully

Focus on “Live, Laugh, Love.”
Red Hat Society décor.

This sounds great, but where do I begin?

† Pray. Pray. Pray. Enlist others to begin praying about this day and during the event.

† Establish when the special event will take place. While the meeting can be anytime, an optimal time is usually in April. Easter offers a great opportunity to easily transition into spiritual matters. It is also far enough into the year for moms to have built relationships and trust with the Steering Team and Discussion Group Leaders. April meetings allow time for follow-up with the moms before the MOPS year is over.

† Choose a theme and focus for your day. Make decisions regarding food, decorations, etc.

† Create special invitations to send to each mom and have them RSVP to their Discussion Group Leader. This extra touch helps them know what a special day this will be.

† Choose two MOPS moms to share their testimony. It’s good to have two diverse stories to show how God wants a relationship with everyone, no matter where they are in life. Having more than two may take up more time than you have for a meeting. Give the moms information about “Preparing Their Testimony” (see attachment) and have them write it out. Plan a meeting for the moms to practice in front of the Steering Team.

† You may also want to have Discussion Group Leaders (DGLS) share their mini-testimony (5 minutes or so) to their group once the two main speakers are done. If so, have the DGLs attend the meeting mentioned above to practice their testimony as well.

† If you have regular meeting items to do such as icebreakers, doorprizes, creative activities, & announcements, do those at the beginning of the meeting so the reverent atmosphere will not be disturbed later.

† When introducing the topic, mention how MOPS focuses on all relationships. We seek to help moms improve relationships with their spouse, children, friends, and family. Today we would like to focus on a relationship that is important to many of us. We have two moms who will be sharing about their relationship with Jesus.

† After the testimonies are given, have the DGLs give their mini-testimonies to their group.
† Once the DGLs are finished, have someone share the plan of salvation. Those who may be a good choice for this might be a mentor mom, a steering team member, or the church pastor.

† Have everyone complete a response card and then seal it in an envelope. This way, everyone is writing something and a person making a decision wouldn’t be singled out or made to feel uncomfortable. While everyone is completing their card a nice touch is to have someone sing a song or play an instrument. One group had someone sing, “I Can Only Imagine” while a dance trio performed ballet. Have the DGLs collect all the cards and turn them in to the Coordinator, Discussion Group Team Leader, or Prayer & Care Leader.

† If you choose to have discussion time, the following questions may be helpful: 1) With which speaker did you most identify? Why? 2) What does the phrase, “a relationship with Jesus” suggest to you? 3) Compare your life to driving a car. As you drive down the road of life, where is Jesus?

What do we do after the meeting?

† The person who collected all the cards after the meeting should go through them as soon as possible. She should contact all those indicating they made a decision to ask Jesus into their life that day as well as those who indicated they still have questions or reservations. Offer encouragement. If your church or MOPS group has new believer resources available, put together a packet and deliver it to them. Go over all the things you included in the packet. Ask permission to pass this information to their DGL and mentor mom, so they can also follow-up and encourage them in the coming weeks.

† Disseminate all prayer requests to the Steering Team and Prayer Team.

† DGLs should follow-up with every mom no matter her response on the card. A personal call by the DGL gives each mom a chance to express her thoughts. Use open-ended questions, but do not pressure. Suggested questions include: 1) What did you think about what Jane shared yesterday? Do you have any questions about what you heard?

† Continue to pray for the moms. Just because a mom has not responded visibly or verbally, doesn’t mean God isn’t working in her heart.

† Let the Steering Team and church leaders no of the outcome of that meeting. For a steering team to know a mom came to know Jesus for the first time because of their efforts is encouraging. Sharing the information with church leaders helps establish MOPS as a worthwhile ministry of the church.


So what are you waiting for? Getting busy planning the next special day in your MOPS group!

More ideas for getting MOPS members more involved

A group in Maryland has had a lot of success with this idea.....

Our group started the GROWTH program back in 2000. Our coordinator at the time was trying to come up with a way to get the moms involved and take some of the burden off of the Steering. She asked me to come up with a catchy name for the program. After some prayer, God gave me the acronym GROWTH (God Rewards Our Willingness To Help). The program is based on 1 Corinthians 9:17 "for if I do so willingly, I will receive a reward".

We have a GROWTH Team Leader on our Steering Team. She acts as a liason between the moms and the rest of the steering. She puts out sign-up sheets at each meeting for the moms. Each sign-up sheet is for a different area of need and has the specific dates of the job. For instance, there is a Steering Meeting Child Care sign-up sheet with all the dates of the Steering meetings listed so moms can sign up to give child care while the steering meets. The mom signs up for a particular job and when she has completed the job, she gets a job credit.

The GROWTH Team Leader keeps track of each mom's credits. At the end of the year, we put the mom's names in a "hat" one time for each credit she has earned. So if she has successully completed 5 jobs over the year, she gets her name in the "hat" 5 times. We pull one name out of the "hat" for a Grand Prize. We usually have businesses donate gift certificates and whatever is the biggest and best prize ends up being the Grand Prize. We then have smaller drawings for all the other donated prizes we received.

It is a win-win-win situation. 1. The Steering team gets help with their jobs. 2. The moms gain a sense of ownership and purpose. and 3. Propective leaders have opportunity to shine. Some opportunities we've offered the moms: Child care during Steering meeting MOPPETS help during MOPS meeting Set up MOPS room the day before our meeting Assist with Creative Activities Wrap Birthday/Baby/Speaker gifts The moms could also earn credit by helping with big projects such as the MOPPETS Appreciation Brunch, MOPS and POPS Dinner, Christmas Brunch, Steering Retreat, etc. Just be sure to keep track of each mom's credits. How we keep track of credits: The GROWTH Team Leader has a 3 by 5 card for each mom and she records the date and the job completed on each mom's card as she completes said job. The other Steering members let her know if they actually got the help they needed, or if there is another job they need help with.

GROWTH is an incredible program that will only enhance your group.

Hugs, Irene

Ideas for new theme

Hi Ladies,

I'm so excited about our theme for new year. Let's start sharing ideas here. The first thought I had was planning meetings around rooms in the house. When I went on the forum someone else had the same idea.....

picturing building each meeting around a room in the house...

Kitchen - once a month cook, quick & simple, kids in the kitchen, hospitality

Family Room - playing/reading with kids, game days, parenting topics. crafts with kids

Bathroom - spa day/pampering day

Bedroom - marriage, communication, romance

Office - home organization

Garage - do-it-yourself projects, carseat safety, emergency preparedness

Backyard - gardening, herb gardens, kids' games

Front porch - perspective, being a good neighbor, being still before God...

Some one else suggested a house tour of the steering teams houses as a fund raiser. I like the idea of home is where we is where we prepare our families so they can launch out into the world confidently. Home is also the safe haven where we can all come back to refresh, renew and rejuvinate.

I can't wait to hear what all of the creative leaders in Zone 22 do with this team and how God uses it to reach moms for Jesus.

MOPS Theme for 2007/2008

Mothers of Preschoolers
the HOME factor BEGIN HERE...GO THERE

In our homes of origin many of us learned the deepest lessons about relationship, developed life routines and acquired our tastes and preferences. And now, as moms, we long to create homes where our families can thrive and grow — and we can too.
Our homes must be safe places – physically and also emotionally safe. In them we bond, we eat and play and rest together, we decorate and provision our special home spaces. The theme the HOME factor: BEGIN HERE … GO THERE enriches our perspective and hones our abilities to create a cocoon of home.
But at its healthiest, our home experience should fill us and launch us into wider circles of investment and influence where we interact with our world. We return HOME to reconnect and refuel — but we’ll move from the HOME outwards to make a difference.
The heart of the HOME is also a picture of God’s desire to interact with us and deeply love us where we really live. He desires to make his home in our hearts. He expresses it this way in the theme verse: "...he lives with you and will be in you." John 14:17
Three key elements of this theme to explore throughout the year:
Our homes are where we bond, cocoon, build inwardly.
Our homes are where we refuel so that we can live fully in the world beyond.
Our homes are a picture of Jesus' dwelling within us.

Theme Resources and Graphic Elements
Key elements in the HOME factor: BEGIN HERE … GO THERE include simple houses representing HOME in all its diversity of size, shape and location. The butterfly represents the heart of the home, touching rooms with its glow and leaving the cocoon to soar. The earth represents our home planet, where we live in community.

Theme DVD

A 2007-08 MOPS International Theme DVD comes free to each MOPS group as a benefit of on-time Charter Renewal. This DVD will provide inspirational and practical tools to equip MOPS leaders to carry out the theme in their group. Use the Theme DVD at a Steering Team planning retreat. The Theme DVD will help your team understand the theme, simplifying theme-related planning so you can concentrate on relationships rather than details. Renew by April 30th and receive your Theme DVD in mid-May!

Dwelling: Living Fully from the Space You Call Home Book and Curriculum

Anchoring the theme is a new MOPS book and curriculum titled Dwelling: Living Fully from the Space You Call Home by Mary Beth Lagerborg, author and Director of Media for MOPS International. At the heart of Dwelling is the quest by the author to find the foundational principles for building the type of home we all crave – no matter what the home we grew up in is like, no matter what our current income or address. Through interviews, excerpts from literature, and her own experiences shaping a dwelling place for her family, Mary Beth helps us craft a home where we can live fully from our own private spaces. She then compels us to take all we gain into life in the larger world. Dwelling is warm, hopeful and practical.
The companion curriculum for use in MOPS groups will provide six video Home Tours plus additional resources for Discussion Group Leaders. Each tour will feature topics such as understanding and making room for different personalities, dining in, home as a safe place to make mistakes, comparing your home with others’, feeling trapped at home, decorating and organizing, having company and being involved in community.

Deeper Theme for Convention

The MOPS International Convention takes the annual theme a bit deeper for leadership training and spiritual enrichment of leaders. This year the convention theme is Dwell Well: Heart — Home — Planet, also based on John 14:17.

Lifestyle Evangelism -- Meeting Moms where they are at...

Here's a great article by Liz Selzner of MOPS International on touch points. It's worth publishing here for all of you to help you reach one more mom for Jesus.



Touch Points
By Liz Selzer, PhD, Director of Leadership Development


As you are deepening relationships with women in your MOPS group, listen carefully for ways to connect. One way to facilitate relationship is to listen for “touch points.” Touch points are topics where you relate to another person’s life, areas of common ground, places to begin honest discussion.
As the other person is speaking, listen for things that you have in common; areas where your life experience touches hers:
A specific topic (e.g. growth of the internet, suffering, longing for acceptance, motherhood)
An emotion (e.g. frustration, tiredness, excitement)
Specific people (e.g. a favorite author, a certain actor, Mother Teresa)
Personal relationships (e.g. husbands, parents, friends, sisters)
Past experiences (e.g. loss of a loved one, high school memories, previous spiritual experience, physical illness)
Common values (e.g. a strong marriage, a good educational system, integrity)
Once you identify a touch point, guide the conversation to these places of common ground. If a mom feels you are really listening to her, she is affirmed. Often this will open the door for her to be willing to listen to you.
Paraphrase what she says. This shows her you have heard her and gives her the opportunity to correct or expand on your understanding of what she said. You can also ask open-ended questions (questions that require more than a one word answer). This will expand your understanding of what she is saying and allow her to control the course of the conversation.
Once you have really heard what the other person has to say about the subject, find the area where you agree and build on it. For example:
If she is struggling with her mother’s cancer – your touch point might be that suffering in others is hard to watch. You can then discuss this common feeling to build your relationship.
If she is nervous to have people over to her house because it is not as ‘nice’ as others’ – your touch point might be the common feeling of insecurity in areas where we are different from others. You can then talk about that feeling of insecurity.
If she is telling you about how much joy she feels as she watches her toddler take his first steps–your touch point might be the indescribable feeling of love we have for our children.
Be careful not to immediately emphasize areas where you do not agree. You may not agree with all that she says about that topic, but you can still find touch points within it:
You may not agree with the way she disciplines her children, but you can both agree on the touch point of how much you love your children.
You may not agree with her view that “all good people end up in heaven regardless of their beliefs,” but you can agree on the touch points of the desire to be good, the desire to understand what happens after death and the desire to go to heaven.
Once you have found a touch point:
Emphasize the areas where you agree. Make sure that she sees that you are quite similar to her in this respect.
Next, talk about the places where you believe differently and why. Do not tell her you think she is wrong. Instead, engage her in your own story about how you live out your beliefs.
Touch points offer opportunities to build bridges that may eventually lead to a discussion about faith and how Jesus can make a difference in her life.
Remember this is God’s process. We are called to participate!

Getting more MOPS moms to help at meetings....

How do you encourage your MOPS members to take ownership of your group? Is your Steering getting burnt out because they do everything? How can you find new leaders if no one is stepping up to help?

MOPS is a place for moms to be nutured but it is also a place for them to use their gifts and skills and grow. The Steering Team is not hosting a party but providing opportunities.

Here's how a group in Texas tackled the problem...by having every mom assigned to a committee when she joins. Below is what they include with every registration. Interesting idea to try ....

Volunteer Sign-Up

In order for all aspects of MOPS to run smoothly and efficiently, we are asking EVERY member to serve in some capacity. If you are serving as a steering team member, discussion group leader, or mentor mom, you are not required to serve on a team.

We will strive to place you in your top choice. However, in order for all teams to be equal, please rank your top three choices by placing a “1” in the blank beside your first choice, a “2” beside your second choice, and a “3” beside your third choice.

*Prayer & Care Team: Assist Prayer & Care leader in her responsibilities which may include praying for specific prayer requests of the MOPS group, preparing for birthday, anniversary, & pregnancy recognitions, and reaching out to moms in need.

*Hospitality Team: Assist Hospitality leader in her responsibilities which may include decorating for MOPS meetings, greeting moms at meetings, welcoming visitors, & planning icebreakers.

*Creative Activities Team: Assist Creative Activities leader in her responsibilities which may include assisting MOPS members with their craft and assembling craft kits.

*Service Project Team: Assist Steering Team by delivering donated items to the Mid-Cities Crisis Pregnancy Center each month and/or helping with large annual service project.

*Finance Team: Assist Finance leader in her responsibilities which may include collecting meeting fees from members, registering new members, and taking attendance.
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How to Identify Future Leaders - Some advice from Christianity Today

I found this great article at Christianity Today's website on how to identify a future leader.....

Spotting a New Leader - Ten ways to identify a promising person to take on guidance of small group ministry.

by Fred Smith

The most gifted athletes rarely make good coaches. The best violinist will not necessarily make the best conductor. Nor will the best teacher necessarily make the best head of the department.
So it's critical to distinguish between the skill of performance and the skill of leading the performance, two entirely different skills.
It's also important to determine whether a person is capable of learning leadership. The natural leader will stand out. The trick is identifying those who are capable of learning leadership over time.
Here are several traits to help identify whether someone is capable of learning to lead.

To finish this great article go to http://www.christianitytoday.com/smallgroups/articles/spottingaleader.html

Planning New MOPS Year and New Steering Team Members

As we look at our Steering Teams for next year here is one group's guide-lines for helping them stay on course the entire year. It also helps new Steering Team Member see the time committment that will be expected of them. Each group is individual but sharing ideas always helps. Why reinvent the wheel?

Don't Lose Your Course
Planning a Great MOPS Year

Jan./Feb. - Begin recruiting Steering Members
· Hold an open house for prospective leaders
· Begin talking with prospects
· MOPS should be #1 priority with husband's support
· Prospects should be presented with expectations of responsibilities
· Coordinator must state ahead of time the dates of retreats and Steering meetings
· Steering members must agree to attend all events

March - Have Steering team set so all can attend Spring Council or Leadership for Life Summit and new leaders can “shadow” and train with current leaders.

May - Open Registration for general members
· Hold this at your church on a first come basis
· Let existing members, church members, and waiting list know of the time and date, then open to the public over the summer.
· Pass the torch meeting. Members rolling off pass their stuff to new members coming on.
· Convention Meeting. Hold a meeting to see who can attend convention and how to raise the money to go.

June - Planning Retreat
· Book a hotel or open your home up for the night
· Evaluate the evaluations
· Coordinator comes with a blank outline of the year and some kind of Steering Development Training (Nine needs, goals,etc.)
· Speaker person comes with a list of ideas
1. Brainstorm ideas keeping in mind your topics should start out light at the beginning of the year and get heavier as the year goes on.
· Craft person comes with craft examples/ideas including pictures
· Hospitality person comes with ideas on theme days, brunch ideas, decorations for the tables, etc.
· Finance person comes with a list of the moms who have already registered.
1. Might have a few ideas for fundraisers
2. Might have an idea on creative ways to collect money
· Mentor moms come with devotionals for Friday night and Saturday morning
· Moppets person comes with info regarding childcare needs or issues. Also brings ideas for any extra events or special celebrations for the kids.
· DG person comes with ideas for names of the groups, special events, etc.
· Publicity person comes with ideas for notebooks for the moms, ways to advertise to the public, and ideas for newsletters.

Summer - Everyone takes time to complete tasks
· You may want to hold one meeting in July just to touch base
· Meet together for play time with kids and take time to form some bonds

August - Mini Retreat 6pm - 12pm on a Fri. night
· Everyone gives an individual report on the work they did over the summer
· Take time to tweak or change any ideas
· Year is planned written and confirmed.
· Time is spent in prayer for the moms and goals for the year.
· Coordinator conducts a mini training time using the video provided by home office.

Your year should now be set and you should be ready to put all your plans into action preparing decorations, craft examples, notebooks, etc.

1 or 2 times a month - your General MOPS Meetings then:

Every other week or once a month - Steering Meetings
· One and one half hour in duration
· Prayer and devotional time or mini bible study (Since plans have already been made ahead of time, most of your meeting can be spent in prayer needs of your moms and spiritual development. Then you can spend a little time making sure plans are good for the next meeting.)
· Try to arrange childcare during Steering meetings. This should be a priority!!!Your meeting time and place should be consistent all year

Have started Recruiting for next year's Steering?

The best way to assure the future of your MOPS group is to always be in prayer for new leaders. Any time of year is a good time to be asking God to show you who will be the future leaders of your group. Now is an especially good time because you can bring your next year's Steering Team members to the MOPS Leadership for Life Summit on March 24th 2007. Let your Field Leadership Team and MOPS International help train the ladies God is calling to lead your MOPS group next year.

Here are some interesting and helpful articles on recruiting Steering Team Members. Please take the time to contact your CC or leave a comment below if you have any questions or concerns when it comes to leadership recruitment. We'd also love to hear how you find new leaders and your praises of how God is working things out in your group.

Steering Team Selection Tips

Here are some suggestions:

The coordinator asks the present steering team to pray as to whether they sense God’s calling them to continue in their present position for another year (MOPS International encourages two-year commitments). She needs to give them a deadline of one to two weeks away.

During this same time the Coordinator gathers together her Steering Selection Committee. This committee is made up of the Coordinator, Mentor, Discussion Group team Leader and two to four (depending on the size of your group) other women NOT on the present steering team. These non=steering women will provide the needed objective view; they can be MOPS moms, church members, or recent MOPS alum. These women should be prayer warriors, submitted to the Lord, and know most of the women in the group. If a Coordinator decides not to use a specific Steering Selection committee, the current steering team can assume this role.

When the Coordinator has her list of steering positions open for next year, she then will let the Steering Team and Discussion Group Team Leader know what positions need to be filled for the next year. The Discussion Group Team Leader (DGTL) then lets the Group Leaders know the openings. The Steering Team and DGTL then pray, and confidentially and anonymously turn in to the Coordinator their nominations for each position. The nominations should be anonymous, on a sheet of paper with the following; Name of the nominee, positions she is being nominated for and why this individual is being nominated (gifts, walk with Christ, etc.) A steering member or group leader may nominate herself for a position.

The Steering Selection Committee then begins a series of meetings to go over the names and positions. They will pray over each nominee and each position. There is no one way this is to be done; however, you want to keep this process as much in God’s hands and as little in your hands as possible! Perhaps during the first meeting the committee can go over all the names and positions, then break for a week or so to pray over them. Then, when they come back together, they can see where they are. This may take several meetings. The Coordinator should spell out the way the committee will approach the selection process during the first meeting.

Unanimous agreement on a nominee is very important. If one person is in disagreement, it is worth revisiting, or moving on to another person. His is why prayer is so important. A unanimous decision is the best way we know how to trust that God is making the choice, not us. Even if the position is not filled right away, it is better not to fill it, then to fill it with the wrong person.

Once the Committee has come to a unanimous decision on an individual for a certain position, then the Coordinator calls her, and gives her the job responsibilities, Leadership questionnaire, and anything else she might need in order to make the decision. The Coordinator should ask the woman not to answer right away, but spend some time in prayer, and talk to her husband, getting back to the Coordinator by a certain date. Stress the importance of confidentiality while she considers this. That is to avoid hurt feelings if the woman says no and someone else is asked next.

Some additional pointers:

Ø The method described is not the only way steering selection is to be accomplished, it is recommended because it has worked. The whole object of this process is to give God the greatest opportunity to guide the choices. It is important that everyone involved desire God’s choice above all.

Ø If necessary, have a Steering Open House or a Steering Information Tea that will give all MOPS women a chance to see and hear what positions are available. Provide written job descriptions. In your final selection, remember how important it is that the woman you ask to fill Leadership positions have a personal, active relationship with Christ.

Ø We need to be careful not to make the decision for someone else. We pray for God to guide us to the best possible choice for a position; without looking at how busy she is, how quiet she is, etc. We don’t know what God’s plan is. Sometimes He is working to accomplish purposes higher than we can see.

Ø Do not just get a “warm body” to fill the position. That is a huge mistake! If God does not provide someone right away, keep working on it. He may wait and bring someone after you start the year, or He may not. Yes, it can be difficult. Yes, we must be creative.

Ø The Groups Leaders and Steering Team should be trained in August to be on the lookout for potential leadership starting with the first meeting, and going on all first semester. They should know each woman very well by January.

Ø If your group is very small, you may have to be creative with steering positions. You may have to go “beyond the box” and create your morning around the gifts and talents of your leadership making sure to fulfill the mops purpose statement, of course!

Ø This steering selection process can, and should be used for choosing Group Leaders, too. The Group Leaders are so important to your ministry. Make sure that you have God’s best!

Ø Confidentiality is stressed in this process for several reasons:
o To avoid hurt feelings
o To reduce “human” involvement and increase God’s involvement
o It is more “professional”
o It allows for the woman being chosen to the position to sense the importance and the privilege of serving God in this ministry. It allows her to sense that God is involved in her being asked – she is not just being asked on her merit or popularity, but by God’s guidance.

Ø Most of these ideas have come straight from the MOPS Handbook (page 33) and the Coordinator’s Handbook (page 16).